Exclusive:Portsmouth Academy staff member jailed for sex offences after messaging children on Snapchat
Joshua Kirby committed multiple child sex offences while working at a school.
A school worker who committed a series of child sexual offences has been thrown behind bars.
Between January 2023 and May 2025, Joshua Kirby unleashed a sexual reign of terror on underage girls, the youngest of whom was just 10 years old. All of his victims have a life-long right to anonymity.
The 26-year-old, from Waterworks Road, Farlington, previously worked at The Portsmouth Academy in Fratton, as well as Mayfield School in North End. The offences were not committed while he was at Mayfield, a school he spent less than a year at.
Appearing at Portsmouth Crown Court, Kirby pleaded guilty to three counts of engaging in sexual communication with a child, three counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, two counts of causing a child to look at an image of sexual activity, and one count of making and indecent photograph of a child.
He pleaded not guilty to one separate count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
Speaking to The News, one parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “We’ve heard all sorts of things about what he was getting up to - it’s sickening to even think about it.
“He was messaging girls on Snapchat, tried to get one-on-one with kids, that sort of thing.”
On social media, parents and students alike have been coming forward with similar accounts. One person said: “He was at my school - he would always sit way too close to me. I feel sick.”
Another added that Kirby would come into school wearing brightly-coloured suits on Fridays, as well as a matching sequined hat.
A spokesperson for The Portsmouth Academy said: “We are aware of recent legal proceedings involving a former member of staff in relation to matters that occurred outside our school community.
“As soon as we were made aware of these serious allegations, we took immediate action, following our robust safeguarding procedures and fully supported the relevant authorities with their investigation. We remain committed to the wellbeing of our pupils and staff and will continue to provide the appropriate support.”
On Friday, July 17, Kirby was sentenced to 46 months in prison, with consecutive punishments for his crimes.